Doug Norman, from The Military Guide, had a different experience.
In one year, Doug retired from the military and his wife transitioned from active duty to the reserves. They both attended a TAP course and each of them heard it in a different way.
This led to many discussions and deep conversations as to what they thought they were doing with their lives. After making their decision, he said that “time flowed back into our home” and that the stress and frustration “melted away.”
Since then, Doug’s wife has left military service and they now live in Hawaii where he surfs 8 days a week, writes on his blog, and travels the world. Maybe he should give all spouses a class on that!
Dave Etter, the 2016 AFI Military Spouse of the Year and host of The Male Military Spouse Radio Show, also recommends both couples attend the TAP course as well.
While I was on base today, I stopped by The Fleet and Family Support Center to see if they had any type of literature or programs for spouses. I was again referred back to the TAPS course and that the spouses can attend all the classes that their service member attends.
Military One Source is another website that has quite a bit of information when it comes to separating from the military. You can read about the many different programs to which your spouse will have access.
Another item that Doug mentioned was that he and his wife wished they had more support from their commands. Fellow Military Spouse writers Jennifer McDonald and Katherine Gauthier recently wrote articles on Preparing for Military Retirement and Transitioning Out of the Military and both have a lot of information! Doug and his wife didn’t want the whole “hail and farewell,” last minute award ceremonies/presentations etc. yet they felt pressured into doing so. If you don’t want all that, then please make sure your desires are heard.
